Dougall was still reclining on the sofa, pillow over his eyes, but now with a beer in his hands. Very twenty first century of him. Logan made himself comfortable on the loveseat, while Sara headed back into the kitchen to get herself a soda. All she could think was that she wanted to have fun with Logan and Dougall tonight. She wouldn’t be seeing them again after tomorrow morning, but she’d sure have some memories to look back on.
Dougall finally sat up just as their food arrived. Sara paid the delivery guy and set the food on the dining room table. She got out some plates, silverware and serving spoons. Logan was hovering over her shoulder as she set everything out.
“Grab a plate and help yourself,” she said.
She sat back and enjoyed watching them examine the food. She was sure it had to be the strangest they’d ever seen, but they took some of everything and were happy enough to go back for seconds. She made a small plate for herself.
When they were done she packed up the little bit that was left and put it in the refrigerator. “What do you guys want to do?”
They both looked at her with blank expressions.
“We can watch a movie, or play cards, or listen to music,” she suggested.
“Music,” Logan said.
“Okay.” This will be fun, she thought as she flicked a switch and music came out of speakers she had strategically placed around the living room. She chose fun, dance music and began moving around the room to the beat. Logan joined her and did his best to imitate what she was doing. Loud laughter came from the sofa as Dougall was almost doubled over watching them. Sara was happy to see him enjoying himself. She’d been quite worried about his state of mind. Sara reached out a hand to him and he took it, joining them on the makeshift dance floor in her living room. Luckily, the coffee shop downstairs was closed and they really didn’t care how much noise she made. They danced long into the night and when it was finally time to head to bed, Sara was sure they’d have no problem sleeping. She’d done what she set out to do. She took everyone’s mind off of tomorrow morning. Everyone but hers.
Chapter 19
Achill breezecame off the water as Dougall and Logan made their way to the spot they hoped would take them back home. Accompanied by Sara and their horses, they would wait here for Helene’s arrival and then be on their way back to their own time. It was still dark and Sara was yawning, it was apparent that she was not used to getting up at this early hour.
“Ye should have stayed abed this morning, Sara,” Logan observed.
“I wanted to say goodbye. Besides I’m curious about how this whole time travel thing works.” She pulled her jacket closely around her body and snuggled in.
Dougall watched as Logan went to her and put his arms around her. “I wish I could explain it to ye, lass, but alas I dinnae ken it meself.” He rubbed his hands up and down her back. Dougall was struck with a pang of jealousy watching them.
“I wish you’d stay a little longer,” she said, looking up into his face.
“We cannae,” Dougall answered, even though she wasn’t speaking to him. “Edna will be expecting us both to return together.”
“Aye. If I stayed, I might never be able to return.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t want to. I mean you could stay with me.” She waited expectantly, hoping he’d say what she wanted to hear.
“I’d like that, lass, but we hardly know each other. Me life is back in Scotland. As nice as ‘twould be to stay here with ye, I dinnae belong here.”
That moment of hope she’d had was gone. Dashed by Logan’s words. He was right. They really didn’t know each other. She couldn’t expect him to stay with her and then find out they weren’t compatible. Then he’d be stuck here alone.
The sun began to rise on the eastern horizon and Dougall’s heart sank. Helene hadn’t come to him. There was still time, but he somehow knew she wouldn’t be returning with him and it was breaking his heart. He’d put up a good front so Sara and Logan were unaware of his sadness.
“The sun will be up soon. If Helene isn’t here, we must leave. Edna will send the fog for us.” He strained his eyes to see as far as he could and continued to hope that soon he’d see her running to join him.
Zeke sethis alarm clock to give them enough time to get to the spot where Dougall waited and when it rang he was already awake. Sleep had eluded him for much of the night. He wanted so badly to do the right thing and make sure that Helene did as they had agreed upon last night, but he’d developed strong feelings for her and even though he knew giving her up was the right thing to do, it didn’t make it any easier.
He padded down the hallway to her room and knocked on the door. There was no answer and so he peeked his head inside, but she wasn’t there. She wouldn’t have left without him, would she. Panic began to set in. He wanted to say goodbye. He hurried back to his room and quickly dressed before heading downstairs where he was relieved to find Helene curled up on the sofa. She had wrapped herself in a blanket so that only her face was visible. He could see she’d been crying and probably hadn’t slept much. He wanted to take away her pain, to save her from her own self doubt. He wasn’t sure what he could do for her, but he’d start by kneeling in front of her and letting her see how much he cared.
“I was worried when you weren’t in your room. Are you alright?” he asked.
“I was thinking. I ken we spoke about it last night, but I’m nae sure I can go through with it. I dinnae wish to be the ruin of his life.”
“Why would you think that? He loves you. It’s obvious. Have you asked him if he’d rather have you or the lairdship?” Zeke cared a great deal for Helene. He could hardly believe he was pushing her back into Dougall’s arms, but he knew deep down she could never be his.
“There’s nae need. He’s told me all along that he was to be laird some day. He was proud of it and was looking forward to being the one that his clan relied on. I cannae take that away from him.”
“Well, you should at least go to the Marina and tell him that.”
“I dinnae believe I can. Tis best if he thinks I dinnae care. ’Tis best for him to leave without seeing me. I ken I’ve broken his heart.” She closed her eyes as if trying to blot out the hurt she knew she had caused Dougall.
